\Pro*vi"so\, n.; pl. {Provisos}. [L., (it) being
provided, abl. of provisus, p. p. of providere. See
{Provide}, and cf. {Purview}.]
An article or clause in any statute, agreement, contract,
grant, or other writing, by which a condition is introduced,
usually beginning with the word provided; a conditional
stipulation that affects an agreement, contract, law, grant,
or the like; as, the contract was impaired by its proviso.

      He doth deny his prisoners, But with proviso and
      exception.                               --Shak.